July 2
The second day started out with both sides receiving reinforcements. The Confederates now had about 50,000 men available, while the Union had 60,000 men. The second day was marked by the Army of Northern Virginia hitting the positions to the west of Gettysburg. They attempted to perform a flanking maneuver around the Union troops situated on Little Round Top, but were spotted and engaged by Daniel Sickles' III Corps.
As the fighting roared around Little Round Top, other Confederate troops were attacking Cemetery Ridge. Advancing under heavy rifle and canister fire, they were repulsed again and again. However, the Confederate pounded away at the weak spot in the Union line where Daniel Sickles was not. Though always forced back eventually, the rebels had managed to take a ridge a few times.
Though Lee had come close to breaking Meade's defensive line, he had not in the end. As a result, the day of horrific fighting was drawing to a close by 10:00 p.m., and over 10,000 men lay dead on either side.
As the fighting roared around Little Round Top, other Confederate troops were attacking Cemetery Ridge. Advancing under heavy rifle and canister fire, they were repulsed again and again. However, the Confederate pounded away at the weak spot in the Union line where Daniel Sickles was not. Though always forced back eventually, the rebels had managed to take a ridge a few times.
Though Lee had come close to breaking Meade's defensive line, he had not in the end. As a result, the day of horrific fighting was drawing to a close by 10:00 p.m., and over 10,000 men lay dead on either side.